MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- More than 100 Camp Pendleton families received groceries at the Abby Reinke Center, free of charge thanks to the teamwork of the base’s Marine Corps Community Services and local grocery stores, May 10.

During the free food giveaway, items such as bread, milk, eggs, a variety of meats, frozen foods and fruits and vegetables were given away to all qualified attendees regardless of rank or marital status.

“We conduct these free food giveaways simply because we care,” said Regina Hunter, event coordinator, MCCS. “The amount of food we receive from (the local grocer) is very generous, this is definitely something every family should try to come out to.”

To attend the free food giveaway, which is conducted the first and third Tuesday of every month at either the Abby Reinke or Stuart Mesa Community Centers, participants only need to show up and present their proper Department of Defense identification card.

“In this particular time my family and I could really use the support,” said one of the Marine spouses who attended the giveaway. “I usually come to the free food giveaway every chance I get because it saves me from going to the grocery store for about a week, which really helps when it comes time to pay bills.”

During the event, which filled the entire Abbey Reinke gymnasium, each family received the opportunity to take groceries, but as soon as everyone had a fair share they were allowed to go back in and take as much as they needed.

“Our goal is to give out all the food we can, because if not enough people show, we have to dispose of what’s left," said Hunter. “We need more families to participate so that all this food doesn’t go to waste each month.”

For more information on attending the next free food giveaway contact the Abby Reinke Community Center at 760-763-0649 or Stuart Mesa Community Center at 760-725-9717.